Edward Waterson facts for kids

Edward Waterson was an English Catholic priest. He is known as a martyr, meaning he died for his religious beliefs. Edward helped Catholics in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At that time, it was against the law to practice Catholicism. Edward was arrested in 1593 and died in 1594 in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1929, the Catholic Church officially recognized him as "Blessed."

Edward Waterson's Early Life

Edward Waterson was born in London, England. He grew up in the Church of England. When he was a young man, he traveled to Turkey with some English traders.

Becoming a Catholic Priest

In 1588, Edward was on his way back home. He stopped in Rome, Italy. There, he decided to become a Catholic. Richard Smith helped him join the Catholic Church.

Edward then went to the English College in Reims, France. This college was a place where English Catholics could study to become priests. He arrived there in January 1589.

Over the next few years, Edward continued his studies. He received different levels of religious training. Finally, he became a priest on March 11, 1592.

Returning to England

In the summer of 1592, Edward Waterson returned to England. He knew it was dangerous because laws against Catholics were very strict. His goal was to secretly help Catholics who were practicing their faith in hiding.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Another young Catholic priest, Joseph Lambton, was on the same ship as Edward. When they landed, Joseph was immediately arrested. However, Edward managed to escape capture that day.

Sadly, Edward was arrested by the authorities in the middle of 1593. Joseph Lambton had been executed earlier, in July 1592. The sheriff showed Edward parts of Joseph's body to try and scare him. But Edward saw them as holy items, not something to fear.

Edward was held in prison until just after Christmas. While he was in Newgate prison in Newcastle, he tried to escape. He attempted to burn down his cell door.

His Final Day

On January 7, 1594, Edward Waterson was taken to be executed. He was tied to a cart to be pulled to the execution site. But the horse pulling the cart would not move. So, Edward had to walk to the place where he would die. He was executed for being a Catholic priest in England.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs